A Georgia boy, who had his kidney transplant delayed because of his father’s probation violation in October, finally received a new organ Wednesday. Two-year-old A.J. Burgess was born without both his kidneys and was supposed to get a transplant from this father, Anthony Dickerson, who was a perfect match.

However, the surgery which was originally scheduled for October at Emory Hospital in Atlanta was delayed after Dickerson violated parole. He was accused of being in possession of a firearm and evading police officials.

Talking about the successful transplant Wednesday, the family attorney, Muwali Davis called it a Thanksgiving miracle.

“This is an unexpected Thanksgiving miracle. To watch this child that no one expected to live, and now for him to have a chance at a healthy life, it’s unbelievable,” he told CBS-affiliated television station, WTVR-TV.

Davis also added Burgess’ family is overwhelmed with gratitude and it was their faith which pulled them through this difficult time.

“His parents and family are overwhelmed with gratitude. They want everyone to know that with faith, all things are possible. When the situation was very bleak, it was their faith and the support of the community that pulled them through this,” he added.

A.J.’s mother Carmella Burgess had established back in September Burgess’ father was found to be a perfect match, according to the report in WTVR-TV. Dickerson had volunteered to donate his kidney but after his arrest, the hospital had told the family the surgery was canceled. Davis then told CNN Emory Hospital required proof that Dickerson had complied with parole for 90 days before they could continue with the transplant, hence delaying it until January 2018, WTVR-TV reported.

Carmella at the time had also spoken to WXIA-TV, an Atlanta based NBC affiliate, and said a son should not be punished for his father’s mistake.

“It's about my son. He's been through a lot. It's like we've been waiting on this. And Dad making a mistake shouldn't affect what he wants to do with our son,” she had said.

She had added delaying the surgery until January 2018 could be too late for her son as he already had a stroke in August and his body would continue to fail unless he underwent bladder surgery.

However, after the news of Burgess’ being denied a transplant spread, several activists from Emory’s Candler School of Theology began to protest the hospital’s decision. It was after these protests and community outcry that officials at Emory Hospital began to find a solution, Davis said.

The attorney added the efforts turned fruitful as the hospital contacted the family just one day before Thanksgiving saying they had the kidney. The operation took place at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and took three hours to finish, according to Carmella Facebook video.

“The surgeons came out and told us of this great news and hugged the family. It was a very emotional moment to see something that we had hoped and prayed for … come to fruition. It was an overwhelming moment,” Davis said.

According to latest reports, Burgess' operation was successful and his new kidney was already making urine. As of now, he will remain under observation for another week and the family is planning to “celebrate Thanksgiving in the hospital with him and his new kidney.” However, the family is planning a meet and greet in January for Burgess’ third birthday.

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